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A Circle of Uncommon Witches
A witch generationally cursed to never find true love sets out to break the spell cast on her family, and must team up with the last person who wants to help her – the witch who set the curse in the first place.
Doreen MacKinnon is doomed to die of a broken heart - if she can’t break the centuries old curse placed on her family.
Three hundred years ago, Ambrose MacDonald, a powerful male witch, fell in love with a MacKinnon. And when the MacKinnon witches forbade him from seeing his love, by secretly hiding her away, he retaliated by cursing the family and its future generations to never find love. But it wasn’t without a cost. Now, Ambrose is imprisoned by those same witches, trapped in a tempest and doomed to outlive everyone he has ever loved.
But Doreen isn’t like the other MacKinnon witches. As the 13th generation of the MacKinnon line, Doreen is one of the most powerful witches in centuries… and one of the loneliest. So when she discovers where Ambrose has been trapped, she releases him to help her break the curse, once and for all. Ambrose agrees to help, but with his own motive: vengeance. He plans to use her as bait to enact his revenge on her family.
Together, they enter a series of trials, which take them to a castle in Scotland, off a cliff, and into a world beyond their wildest dreams. As they work together, sparks start to fly, but soon Doreen must choose how far she is willing to go to break the curse, and what she's willing to sacrifice.
Paige Crutcher's A Circle of Uncommon Witches is a story of adventure, romance, and destiny, that asks: is true love worth the cost?
Doreen MacKinnon is doomed to die of a broken heart - if she can’t break the centuries old curse placed on her family.
Three hundred years ago, Ambrose MacDonald, a powerful male witch, fell in love with a MacKinnon. And when the MacKinnon witches forbade him from seeing his love, by secretly hiding her away, he retaliated by cursing the family and its future generations to never find love. But it wasn’t without a cost. Now, Ambrose is imprisoned by those same witches, trapped in a tempest and doomed to outlive everyone he has ever loved.
But Doreen isn’t like the other MacKinnon witches. As the 13th generation of the MacKinnon line, Doreen is one of the most powerful witches in centuries… and one of the loneliest. So when she discovers where Ambrose has been trapped, she releases him to help her break the curse, once and for all. Ambrose agrees to help, but with his own motive: vengeance. He plans to use her as bait to enact his revenge on her family.
Together, they enter a series of trials, which take them to a castle in Scotland, off a cliff, and into a world beyond their wildest dreams. As they work together, sparks start to fly, but soon Doreen must choose how far she is willing to go to break the curse, and what she's willing to sacrifice.
Paige Crutcher's A Circle of Uncommon Witches is a story of adventure, romance, and destiny, that asks: is true love worth the cost?
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2025
46 people are currently reading
19138 people want to read
About the author
Paige Crutcher
7 books385 followersPaige Crutcher is the author of THE ORPHAN WITCH. She is a former journalist, and her work appears in multiple anthologies and online publications. She is an artist and yogi, and when not writing, she prefers to spend her time trekking through the forest with her children, hunting for portals to new worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
March 10, 2025
The women in the witchy MacKinnon family are cursed. Anyone they develop a crush on is magically compelled to be with them. OK, so maybe that sounds like a gift…except that they’ll never know if their partner actually loves them for them. And if they don’t settle down with one of these bewitched beloveds by their thirtieth birthday, they die. 29-year-old Doreen MacKinnon is determined to break the curse, and she begins by freeing Ambrose, the witch who cursed the family hundreds of years ago, from his enchanted prison. But ending the curse is going to be harder than anyone bargained for…especially because Doreen starts to find herself falling for Ambrose.
I’m not usually a romantasy reader, but I was intrigued by the premise of this one, and I’m glad I picked it up! It was a fun, fast-paced story with a cinematic feel and loads of great banter. I loved that female friendships and family relationships played a big role, and I really enjoyed the ending. This isn’t an all-time fave for me, but I had a fun day reading it.
I’m not usually a romantasy reader, but I was intrigued by the premise of this one, and I’m glad I picked it up! It was a fun, fast-paced story with a cinematic feel and loads of great banter. I loved that female friendships and family relationships played a big role, and I really enjoyed the ending. This isn’t an all-time fave for me, but I had a fun day reading it.
February 11, 2025
Thank you, St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin, for this ARC. When I first received this book, I was very excited because the premise was right up my alley. The lore in this book was captivating. I loved the trials, the curse concept, the family dynamics, and, of course, the enemies-to-lovers theme. The romance is mild but still enchanting.
Unfortunately, I had a challenging time connecting with it at first. The story throws you in without much context, which can sometimes work, but in this case, it felt like I was jumping into a sequel (it is not one). However, I enjoyed it more once I became accustomed to the plot and the characters. I just never felt that "hooked" feeling.
I received this ARC early, so I hope a few more revisions are planned. I intend to reread it once it is published, but I would rate it around a 3.5 for now. It has a lot of potential, but there was simply too much going on. I would still recommend this one to anyone who enjoys fantasy/witch stories with romantic elements.
Pub date: February 25, 2025.
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤
Unfortunately, I had a challenging time connecting with it at first. The story throws you in without much context, which can sometimes work, but in this case, it felt like I was jumping into a sequel (it is not one). However, I enjoyed it more once I became accustomed to the plot and the characters. I just never felt that "hooked" feeling.
I received this ARC early, so I hope a few more revisions are planned. I intend to reread it once it is published, but I would rate it around a 3.5 for now. It has a lot of potential, but there was simply too much going on. I would still recommend this one to anyone who enjoys fantasy/witch stories with romantic elements.
Pub date: February 25, 2025.
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤
February 17, 2025
This is a well-written, entertaining, fantasy romance novel. It has a likable female protagonist, an engaging male protagonist, magic, a curse, a fantastic adventure, supportive family, sacrifice, a heart-warming romance, an unexpected twist, and a satisfying conclusion. Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin, NetGalley, and Ms. Paige Crutcher, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of this delightful novel. This is my honest opinion.
February 27, 2025
A Circle of Uncommon Witches by Paige Crutcher
Paranormal witch romance. Enemy / cursed lines, enemies to lovers troupe.
Doreen MacKinnon is a 13th generation witch from her family line, making her one of the most powerful in centuries, but also the most lonely. She is doomed to die of a broken heart from an old curse placed on her family. Doreen isn’t a witch to accept a predestined disaster and decides she is going to be the one to break the curse.
Doreen releases Ambrose MacDonald who has been trapped in a tempest and tortured for the past three hundred years. He agrees to help break the curse although he is more interested in vengeance against her family than helping. As the two work together, sparks start to fly but Doreen must keep her eye on the bottom line: ending the curse and saving her family. Even if it means heartbreak.
Complicated intertwined, multigenerational family lines made following the storyline seem to twist over and into itself more than once. I admired Doreen’s determination though the curse turned darker than I expected. A series of trials akin to life and death gave the story an unexpected hard edge.
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Paranormal witch romance. Enemy / cursed lines, enemies to lovers troupe.
Doreen MacKinnon is a 13th generation witch from her family line, making her one of the most powerful in centuries, but also the most lonely. She is doomed to die of a broken heart from an old curse placed on her family. Doreen isn’t a witch to accept a predestined disaster and decides she is going to be the one to break the curse.
Doreen releases Ambrose MacDonald who has been trapped in a tempest and tortured for the past three hundred years. He agrees to help break the curse although he is more interested in vengeance against her family than helping. As the two work together, sparks start to fly but Doreen must keep her eye on the bottom line: ending the curse and saving her family. Even if it means heartbreak.
Complicated intertwined, multigenerational family lines made following the storyline seem to twist over and into itself more than once. I admired Doreen’s determination though the curse turned darker than I expected. A series of trials akin to life and death gave the story an unexpected hard edge.
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
February 21, 2025
2.5 ☆
“Witches are like flowers; the most potent ones don’t think about their magic. They do not try to control or change or guide; they simply bloom.”
i wanted to like this cause i always love the idea of a witchy book, but it really didn’t end up working for me. the plot and romance moved so fast, to the point where it became disorienting. i imagine this was supposed to be some sort of magical love story but Doreen and Ambrose didn’t have enough time to build up their relationship in any way, so it felt unbelievable and forced cause they weren’t that far off from being strangers to be honest. i did like some of the friendships and the parts with the trials but other than that, this really didn’t stick out to me and i was never invested in what the outcome of the curse they’re trying to break would be. the ending itself was abrupt too, it feel like there were chunks missing cause it didn’t flow the way it should’ve.
↛ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Press for the arc, all opinions are my own.
“Witches are like flowers; the most potent ones don’t think about their magic. They do not try to control or change or guide; they simply bloom.”
i wanted to like this cause i always love the idea of a witchy book, but it really didn’t end up working for me. the plot and romance moved so fast, to the point where it became disorienting. i imagine this was supposed to be some sort of magical love story but Doreen and Ambrose didn’t have enough time to build up their relationship in any way, so it felt unbelievable and forced cause they weren’t that far off from being strangers to be honest. i did like some of the friendships and the parts with the trials but other than that, this really didn’t stick out to me and i was never invested in what the outcome of the curse they’re trying to break would be. the ending itself was abrupt too, it feel like there were chunks missing cause it didn’t flow the way it should’ve.
↛ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Press for the arc, all opinions are my own.
February 19, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
I cannot resist a witch-themed tale. Doreen McKinnon's family has been in a curse-bound war with the MacDonalds for four hundred years. As a member of the 13th generation of McKinnon witches, it is up to Doreen to break the curse. Doreen will have to pass a series of trials with the powerful male witch, Ambrose MacDonald at her side.
Honestly, this book held me in its grip, but I lost interest in the middle. I think it was when all the journals started popping up. For me as a reader, it dragged the plot down. Also, I am not a fan of insta-love as a trope and it was clear that was the direction that Doreen and Ambrose were headed. That aside, the characters were richly written and there were some great scenes as Doreen and Ambrose encountered different witches.
It just wasn't enough for me to rate it above a 2-star.
Expected Publication 25/02/25
Goodreads Review 19/02/25
I cannot resist a witch-themed tale. Doreen McKinnon's family has been in a curse-bound war with the MacDonalds for four hundred years. As a member of the 13th generation of McKinnon witches, it is up to Doreen to break the curse. Doreen will have to pass a series of trials with the powerful male witch, Ambrose MacDonald at her side.
Honestly, this book held me in its grip, but I lost interest in the middle. I think it was when all the journals started popping up. For me as a reader, it dragged the plot down. Also, I am not a fan of insta-love as a trope and it was clear that was the direction that Doreen and Ambrose were headed. That aside, the characters were richly written and there were some great scenes as Doreen and Ambrose encountered different witches.
It just wasn't enough for me to rate it above a 2-star.
Expected Publication 25/02/25
Goodreads Review 19/02/25
February 19, 2025
This is the fourth book I've read by Paige Crutcher and all were about witches and magic, so I had to pick this one up when I saw it was available. I do like witch stories and she writes some good ones.
Description:
A witch generationally cursed to never find true love sets out to break the spell cast on her family, and must team up with the last person who wants to help her – the witch who set the curse in the first place.
Doreen MacKinnon is doomed to die of a broken heart - if she can’t break the centuries old curse placed on her family.
Three hundred years ago, Ambrose MacDonald, a powerful male witch, fell in love with a MacKinnon. And when the MacKinnon witches forbade him from seeing his love, by secretly hiding her away, he retaliated by cursing the family and its future generations to never find love. But it wasn’t without a cost. Now, Ambrose is imprisoned by those same witches, trapped in a tempest and doomed to outlive everyone he has ever loved.
But Doreen isn’t like the other MacKinnon witches. As the 13th generation of the MacKinnon line, Doreen is one of the most powerful witches in centuries… and one of the loneliest. So when she discovers where Ambrose has been trapped, she releases him to help her break the curse, once and for all. Ambrose agrees to help, but with his own vengeance. He plans to use her as bait to enact his revenge on her family.
Together, they enter a series of trials, which take them to a castle in Scotland, off a cliff, and into a world beyond their wildest dreams. As they work together, sparks start to fly, but soon Doreen must choose how far she is willing to go to break the curse, and what she's willing to sacrifice.
My Thoughts:
This feud between the MacDonalds and the MacKinnons went way too far with a mean curse put on the MacKinnon witches and then the MacKinnon witches trapped and caged Ambrose MacDonald. After three hundred years Ambrose was still caged and the MacKinnon witches still lived with the fact that they will never have true love. Doreen is a very powerful witch and I found her determination to be courageous. The book had me on edge several times as Doreen and Ambrose faced some dangerous situations on their journey to find a way to break the curse. Ambrose, of course, was not all in on breaking the curse since his family was the ones who created it in the first place. There is some romance in this story as well that was fun to follow and watch develop. I found the soul sucking witch very interesting - what a creepy being she was! Anyone who likes reading about witches and magic will enjoy this adventure.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
A witch generationally cursed to never find true love sets out to break the spell cast on her family, and must team up with the last person who wants to help her – the witch who set the curse in the first place.
Doreen MacKinnon is doomed to die of a broken heart - if she can’t break the centuries old curse placed on her family.
Three hundred years ago, Ambrose MacDonald, a powerful male witch, fell in love with a MacKinnon. And when the MacKinnon witches forbade him from seeing his love, by secretly hiding her away, he retaliated by cursing the family and its future generations to never find love. But it wasn’t without a cost. Now, Ambrose is imprisoned by those same witches, trapped in a tempest and doomed to outlive everyone he has ever loved.
But Doreen isn’t like the other MacKinnon witches. As the 13th generation of the MacKinnon line, Doreen is one of the most powerful witches in centuries… and one of the loneliest. So when she discovers where Ambrose has been trapped, she releases him to help her break the curse, once and for all. Ambrose agrees to help, but with his own vengeance. He plans to use her as bait to enact his revenge on her family.
Together, they enter a series of trials, which take them to a castle in Scotland, off a cliff, and into a world beyond their wildest dreams. As they work together, sparks start to fly, but soon Doreen must choose how far she is willing to go to break the curse, and what she's willing to sacrifice.
My Thoughts:
This feud between the MacDonalds and the MacKinnons went way too far with a mean curse put on the MacKinnon witches and then the MacKinnon witches trapped and caged Ambrose MacDonald. After three hundred years Ambrose was still caged and the MacKinnon witches still lived with the fact that they will never have true love. Doreen is a very powerful witch and I found her determination to be courageous. The book had me on edge several times as Doreen and Ambrose faced some dangerous situations on their journey to find a way to break the curse. Ambrose, of course, was not all in on breaking the curse since his family was the ones who created it in the first place. There is some romance in this story as well that was fun to follow and watch develop. I found the soul sucking witch very interesting - what a creepy being she was! Anyone who likes reading about witches and magic will enjoy this adventure.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin through Netgalley for an advance copy.
January 27, 2025
Doreen must break a 300-year-old curse or die of a broken heart on her 30th birthday. The only problem is that the way to break the curse involves teaming up with the very person who created it.
The lore in this book was spellbinding, and I was captivated by the trials and the various clues laid out in the story to break the curse. It’s an enemies-to-lovers romance, and I always eat up any book that includes that trope. I absolutely loved the dynamic between the families, trials, and their history. I also adored Doreen’s relationship with her cousin.
However, I was a bit underwhelmed by the romance in this book. At times, it felt more like a fantasy novel with a romance subplot. The transition from enemies to lovers seemed abrupt, and that storyline felt a bit rushed compared to other elements in the book.
Overall, I would still highly recommend this book based on the elements that I enjoyed and mentioned in this review. Solid four star read.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The lore in this book was spellbinding, and I was captivated by the trials and the various clues laid out in the story to break the curse. It’s an enemies-to-lovers romance, and I always eat up any book that includes that trope. I absolutely loved the dynamic between the families, trials, and their history. I also adored Doreen’s relationship with her cousin.
However, I was a bit underwhelmed by the romance in this book. At times, it felt more like a fantasy novel with a romance subplot. The transition from enemies to lovers seemed abrupt, and that storyline felt a bit rushed compared to other elements in the book.
Overall, I would still highly recommend this book based on the elements that I enjoyed and mentioned in this review. Solid four star read.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2025
I had way too many problems with this book and I mostly regret not DNFing. But Sophie, you gave it 3 stars?? Yeah. I dunno. I didn’t mind it too much while I was reading it but I also didn’t want to pick it back up when I put it down because I was so bored.
The premise was great but the execution was poor. Very poor. There were so many things that made no sense, big gaps of information, and a too quick ending that was underwhelming and…stupid.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for this finished, signed copy.
____________
The publisher just sent me a finished copy so looks like I’m reading this soon 🥹🫡
The premise was great but the execution was poor. Very poor. There were so many things that made no sense, big gaps of information, and a too quick ending that was underwhelming and…stupid.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for this finished, signed copy.
____________
The publisher just sent me a finished copy so looks like I’m reading this soon 🥹🫡
March 28, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
i hadn’t realized that i read the author’s debut novel until about halfway through this book 🫣
this was a fun romantasy full of witches and generational curses, with Scotsmen. i truly have a knack for reading scottish romances without knowing they’re set in scotland…
i also listened to the audio, and i really enjoyed the narrator!
i hadn’t realized that i read the author’s debut novel until about halfway through this book 🫣
this was a fun romantasy full of witches and generational curses, with Scotsmen. i truly have a knack for reading scottish romances without knowing they’re set in scotland…
i also listened to the audio, and i really enjoyed the narrator!
December 11, 2024
I adore a book that stays with you, compelling you to find moments to delve back into its pages. This book did just that; I felt annoyed whenever I was pulled away from its world of enchanting witches, spells, and unforeseen romance.
Doreen MacKinnon's lineage has been plagued by a curse preventing true love, leading to death from a broken heart. Determined to end her family's suffering, she embarks on a quest to lift the curse. Three centuries prior, Ambrose MacDonald, a formidable male witch, fell for a MacKinnon. When their union was forbidden and his love was concealed, Ambrose hexed the entire lineage against finding true love. However, this curse came at a price. Now, Ambrose is ensnared by the same curse, fated to outlive all his loved ones. Unlike her ancestors, Doreen, the 13th in the MacKinnon line, wields unprecedented magical power, matched only by her solitude. She resolves to ensnare Ambrose and compel him to undo the curse. He consents to assist, driven by a desire for retribution. Together, they face a gauntlet of trials in realms beyond their wildest dreams, and Doreen must decide the lengths she'll go to break the curse.
The narrative's evolution and the characters' battle for love—one for a lost love, the other for the capacity to love—was captivating and beautifully penned, making it a book you won't want to put down.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Doreen MacKinnon's lineage has been plagued by a curse preventing true love, leading to death from a broken heart. Determined to end her family's suffering, she embarks on a quest to lift the curse. Three centuries prior, Ambrose MacDonald, a formidable male witch, fell for a MacKinnon. When their union was forbidden and his love was concealed, Ambrose hexed the entire lineage against finding true love. However, this curse came at a price. Now, Ambrose is ensnared by the same curse, fated to outlive all his loved ones. Unlike her ancestors, Doreen, the 13th in the MacKinnon line, wields unprecedented magical power, matched only by her solitude. She resolves to ensnare Ambrose and compel him to undo the curse. He consents to assist, driven by a desire for retribution. Together, they face a gauntlet of trials in realms beyond their wildest dreams, and Doreen must decide the lengths she'll go to break the curse.
The narrative's evolution and the characters' battle for love—one for a lost love, the other for the capacity to love—was captivating and beautifully penned, making it a book you won't want to put down.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 3, 2025
In the contemporary fantasy landscape, stories of witches and curses abound, but few explore the generational weight of magical vendettas with the emotional depth Paige Crutcher attempts in A Circle of Uncommon Witches. This novel, following her previous works The Orphan Witch and The Lost Witch, continues Crutcher's exploration of witchcraft while venturing deeper into the thorny territory of love, revenge, and the prices we pay for both.
The story centers on Doreen MacKinnon, a witch from a family cursed 300 years ago by Ambrose MacDonald after they separated him from his love, Lenora. The curse prevents any MacKinnon witch from finding true love—they must either enthrall someone (essentially bewitching them to fall in love), or die by age thirty. As Doreen approaches this deadline, she makes the desperate choice to free Ambrose from the prison where her family has kept him tortured for centuries, hoping he'll help break the curse before it's too late.
What follows is an adventure spanning worlds, time, and the very boundaries of life and death itself, as Doreen and Ambrose navigate complex magical trials while confronting the shadows of their intertwined family histories.
Strengths: Magic, Atmosphere, and Emotional Complexity
Evocative World-Building
Crutcher excels at crafting atmospheric settings that feel both anchored in reality and shimmering with otherworldliness. The rugged Scottish landscapes, ancient castles, and mystical forests create a richly textured backdrop against which the story unfolds. Particularly impressive is her depiction of the "prison world" created by Ada, the Queen of the Order of the Dead, where:
"The skies were ashen. Slate-gray clouds bordered by darkness, and just beyond them it faded into a white mist that blanketed the edge of the world."
The author demonstrates a knack for sensory details that immerse readers in her magical environments, from the scent of clove and anise that accompanies powerful spells to the visual brilliance of magical light that "twinkling and bright, floated up from the earth, along with bits of water, sparks, and dirt."
Intriguing Magical System
The novel presents a nuanced approach to witchcraft that feels both original and rooted in tradition. The concept of inherited magical abilities, family grimoires, and ancient trials creates a coherent magical framework. Particularly compelling is the idea of "mimic" magic, which allows Doreen to replicate any spell she sees performed, making her uniquely powerful among her line.
The notion that magic leaves traces in the land—that "When you create a spell in a place, the place keeps the memory of the spell"—adds depth to the worldbuilding, suggesting a living relationship between witches and their environments.
Complex Character Dynamics
At its heart, this is a story about relationships warped by power, fear, and vengeance. The romance between Doreen and Ambrose develops gradually and believably against the backdrop of their complicated family histories. Their progression from enemies to reluctant allies to something more follows an emotionally satisfying arc, with Crutcher effectively using their growing feelings to complicate the central conflict.
The relationship between Doreen and her cousin Margot offers some of the novel's most genuine emotional moments, highlighting themes of loyalty and sacrifice. Their connection provides a heart-warming counterbalance to the darker aspects of the story:
"Margot could read her like the alphabet. Doreen blushed and pushed the hair from her face. 'I'm here.'"
Weaknesses: Pacing, Clarity, and Convenience
Uneven Pacing
The novel's structural rhythm struggles to maintain momentum throughout. After a promising start establishing the curse and Doreen's quest, the middle sections—particularly once the characters enter the prison world—begin to meander. The trials themselves, while conceptually interesting, sometimes feel repetitive rather than progressively challenging.
The final confrontation with Ada arrives somewhat abruptly after lengthy setup, and resolves with surprising speed given the formidable nature of the antagonist built up throughout the narrative.
Convenient Plot Developments
Several critical plot turns rely on timely interventions or revelations that don't always feel earned. The introduction of the "truth" about Lenora and Ambrose's past relationship—that she had enthralled him rather than the other way around—feels like a convenient narrative shift rather than a revelation organically developed through the story.
Similarly, the ultimate resolution depends heavily on connections and magical abilities that are introduced without sufficient groundwork, leaving some readers feeling that victory comes too easily given the stakes established.
Clarity Issues in the Magical Rules
While the magic system has creative elements, the rules governing it sometimes shift to accommodate plot needs. The mechanics of the curse and how it might be broken change as the story progresses, from initially suggesting Ambrose must willingly release it to later suggesting a MacKinnon witch must fall in love with a MacDonald witch.
The prison world created by Ada likewise operates under inconsistent rules, with some abilities working differently than established. This occasional fuzziness in the magical parameters weakens the tension, as readers may wonder whether a new magical solution might conveniently appear when needed.
Character Development: Strengths and Missed Opportunities
Doreen's Journey
Doreen stands as the novel's most fully realized character, with a clear arc from isolated yearning to self-empowered determination. Her intelligence, compassion, and occasional stubbornness make her an engaging protagonist whose growth feels earned. Her struggle with the curse—particularly her refusal to enthrall someone as her cousin Margot did—establishes her moral framework early on and makes her later choices more meaningful.
Ambrose's Incomplete Transformation
While Ambrose receives significant attention, his character development follows a more predictable trajectory. His transition from vengeance-seeking antagonist to reluctant ally to romantic interest hits familiar beats without quite achieving the emotional complexity his backstory might suggest. The revelation about his being enthralled by Lenora, while interesting, somewhat diminishes his agency in the larger narrative.
Supporting Cast Variations
The supporting characters vary widely in their effectiveness. Margot shines as Doreen's loyal cousin, with enough personality and backstory to feel three-dimensional. Stella, Doreen's aunt, transitions from antagonistic force to ally in ways that sometimes feel too neat given her earlier characterization.
Ada, as the primary antagonist, presents an intriguing concept—a being twisted by grief who steals souls to sustain herself—but never quite achieves the depth her backstory promises. Her motivations remain somewhat opaque despite extensive flashbacks and journal entries revealing her history.
Thematic Depth: Love, Choice, and Consequence
Despite its narrative unevenness, A Circle of Uncommon Witches successfully explores several meaningful themes:
1. The nature of true love versus compulsion: Through the curse and its effects, the story thoughtfully examines what constitutes genuine love versus magical enthrallment.
2. Intergenerational trauma: The curse persisting through thirteen generations effectively illustrates how past conflicts continue to shape present lives.
3. The price of vengeance: Both Ambrose's and Ada's quests for revenge demonstrate how vengeance ultimately consumes those who pursue it.
4. Choice and sacrifice: Margot's willing transformation into stone to save Doreen and Ambrose highlights the novel's emphasis on the power of choosing one's own fate.
Prose and Dialogue: Lyrical but Occasionally Overwrought
Crutcher's prose shines brightest in descriptive passages, where her evocative language brings magical elements to life:
"She was in love with a stupid stingray. As the thought settled, the path to the castle grew clearer in her mind."
However, the dialogue occasionally feels stilted, particularly when characters explain magical concepts to each other. Some conversations serve primarily as information delivery systems rather than authentic exchanges between the characters.
The journal entries interspersed throughout the narrative offer interesting historical context but sometimes interrupt the main story's momentum rather than enhancing it.
Final Assessment: A Flawed but Enchanting Addition to the Witch-lit Genre
A Circle of Uncommon Witches delivers an imaginative premise with moments of genuine emotional resonance, even as it struggles with pacing and narrative consistency. Fans of Deborah Harkness's All Souls trilogy or Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic series will find familiar elements repurposed in interesting ways, though Crutcher's work lacks some of the narrative discipline of those influences.
Where the novel truly succeeds is in its exploration of love's complexities—both its capacity to heal and to harm. The central question of whether true love is worth the cost receives no simple answer, which gives the story a welcome moral complexity.
For readers invested in character-driven witch narratives with romantic elements, the novel's strengths may outweigh its structural weaknesses. Those seeking tight plotting and consistent worldbuilding might find themselves occasionally frustrated by the narrative conveniences.
The story centers on Doreen MacKinnon, a witch from a family cursed 300 years ago by Ambrose MacDonald after they separated him from his love, Lenora. The curse prevents any MacKinnon witch from finding true love—they must either enthrall someone (essentially bewitching them to fall in love), or die by age thirty. As Doreen approaches this deadline, she makes the desperate choice to free Ambrose from the prison where her family has kept him tortured for centuries, hoping he'll help break the curse before it's too late.
What follows is an adventure spanning worlds, time, and the very boundaries of life and death itself, as Doreen and Ambrose navigate complex magical trials while confronting the shadows of their intertwined family histories.
Strengths: Magic, Atmosphere, and Emotional Complexity
Evocative World-Building
Crutcher excels at crafting atmospheric settings that feel both anchored in reality and shimmering with otherworldliness. The rugged Scottish landscapes, ancient castles, and mystical forests create a richly textured backdrop against which the story unfolds. Particularly impressive is her depiction of the "prison world" created by Ada, the Queen of the Order of the Dead, where:
"The skies were ashen. Slate-gray clouds bordered by darkness, and just beyond them it faded into a white mist that blanketed the edge of the world."
The author demonstrates a knack for sensory details that immerse readers in her magical environments, from the scent of clove and anise that accompanies powerful spells to the visual brilliance of magical light that "twinkling and bright, floated up from the earth, along with bits of water, sparks, and dirt."
Intriguing Magical System
The novel presents a nuanced approach to witchcraft that feels both original and rooted in tradition. The concept of inherited magical abilities, family grimoires, and ancient trials creates a coherent magical framework. Particularly compelling is the idea of "mimic" magic, which allows Doreen to replicate any spell she sees performed, making her uniquely powerful among her line.
The notion that magic leaves traces in the land—that "When you create a spell in a place, the place keeps the memory of the spell"—adds depth to the worldbuilding, suggesting a living relationship between witches and their environments.
Complex Character Dynamics
At its heart, this is a story about relationships warped by power, fear, and vengeance. The romance between Doreen and Ambrose develops gradually and believably against the backdrop of their complicated family histories. Their progression from enemies to reluctant allies to something more follows an emotionally satisfying arc, with Crutcher effectively using their growing feelings to complicate the central conflict.
The relationship between Doreen and her cousin Margot offers some of the novel's most genuine emotional moments, highlighting themes of loyalty and sacrifice. Their connection provides a heart-warming counterbalance to the darker aspects of the story:
"Margot could read her like the alphabet. Doreen blushed and pushed the hair from her face. 'I'm here.'"
Weaknesses: Pacing, Clarity, and Convenience
Uneven Pacing
The novel's structural rhythm struggles to maintain momentum throughout. After a promising start establishing the curse and Doreen's quest, the middle sections—particularly once the characters enter the prison world—begin to meander. The trials themselves, while conceptually interesting, sometimes feel repetitive rather than progressively challenging.
The final confrontation with Ada arrives somewhat abruptly after lengthy setup, and resolves with surprising speed given the formidable nature of the antagonist built up throughout the narrative.
Convenient Plot Developments
Several critical plot turns rely on timely interventions or revelations that don't always feel earned. The introduction of the "truth" about Lenora and Ambrose's past relationship—that she had enthralled him rather than the other way around—feels like a convenient narrative shift rather than a revelation organically developed through the story.
Similarly, the ultimate resolution depends heavily on connections and magical abilities that are introduced without sufficient groundwork, leaving some readers feeling that victory comes too easily given the stakes established.
Clarity Issues in the Magical Rules
While the magic system has creative elements, the rules governing it sometimes shift to accommodate plot needs. The mechanics of the curse and how it might be broken change as the story progresses, from initially suggesting Ambrose must willingly release it to later suggesting a MacKinnon witch must fall in love with a MacDonald witch.
The prison world created by Ada likewise operates under inconsistent rules, with some abilities working differently than established. This occasional fuzziness in the magical parameters weakens the tension, as readers may wonder whether a new magical solution might conveniently appear when needed.
Character Development: Strengths and Missed Opportunities
Doreen's Journey
Doreen stands as the novel's most fully realized character, with a clear arc from isolated yearning to self-empowered determination. Her intelligence, compassion, and occasional stubbornness make her an engaging protagonist whose growth feels earned. Her struggle with the curse—particularly her refusal to enthrall someone as her cousin Margot did—establishes her moral framework early on and makes her later choices more meaningful.
Ambrose's Incomplete Transformation
While Ambrose receives significant attention, his character development follows a more predictable trajectory. His transition from vengeance-seeking antagonist to reluctant ally to romantic interest hits familiar beats without quite achieving the emotional complexity his backstory might suggest. The revelation about his being enthralled by Lenora, while interesting, somewhat diminishes his agency in the larger narrative.
Supporting Cast Variations
The supporting characters vary widely in their effectiveness. Margot shines as Doreen's loyal cousin, with enough personality and backstory to feel three-dimensional. Stella, Doreen's aunt, transitions from antagonistic force to ally in ways that sometimes feel too neat given her earlier characterization.
Ada, as the primary antagonist, presents an intriguing concept—a being twisted by grief who steals souls to sustain herself—but never quite achieves the depth her backstory promises. Her motivations remain somewhat opaque despite extensive flashbacks and journal entries revealing her history.
Thematic Depth: Love, Choice, and Consequence
Despite its narrative unevenness, A Circle of Uncommon Witches successfully explores several meaningful themes:
1. The nature of true love versus compulsion: Through the curse and its effects, the story thoughtfully examines what constitutes genuine love versus magical enthrallment.
2. Intergenerational trauma: The curse persisting through thirteen generations effectively illustrates how past conflicts continue to shape present lives.
3. The price of vengeance: Both Ambrose's and Ada's quests for revenge demonstrate how vengeance ultimately consumes those who pursue it.
4. Choice and sacrifice: Margot's willing transformation into stone to save Doreen and Ambrose highlights the novel's emphasis on the power of choosing one's own fate.
Prose and Dialogue: Lyrical but Occasionally Overwrought
Crutcher's prose shines brightest in descriptive passages, where her evocative language brings magical elements to life:
"She was in love with a stupid stingray. As the thought settled, the path to the castle grew clearer in her mind."
However, the dialogue occasionally feels stilted, particularly when characters explain magical concepts to each other. Some conversations serve primarily as information delivery systems rather than authentic exchanges between the characters.
The journal entries interspersed throughout the narrative offer interesting historical context but sometimes interrupt the main story's momentum rather than enhancing it.
Final Assessment: A Flawed but Enchanting Addition to the Witch-lit Genre
A Circle of Uncommon Witches delivers an imaginative premise with moments of genuine emotional resonance, even as it struggles with pacing and narrative consistency. Fans of Deborah Harkness's All Souls trilogy or Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic series will find familiar elements repurposed in interesting ways, though Crutcher's work lacks some of the narrative discipline of those influences.
Where the novel truly succeeds is in its exploration of love's complexities—both its capacity to heal and to harm. The central question of whether true love is worth the cost receives no simple answer, which gives the story a welcome moral complexity.
For readers invested in character-driven witch narratives with romantic elements, the novel's strengths may outweigh its structural weaknesses. Those seeking tight plotting and consistent worldbuilding might find themselves occasionally frustrated by the narrative conveniences.
December 20, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Feb. 25, 2025
Doreen MacKinnon is cursed. Like the rest of her line, if she doesn’t marry by the time she’s thirty, she’ll die. But, unlike the rest of humanity, it’s easy for the MacKinnon’s to find a mate, since they can easily tantalize any partner, pulling them under their spell. But Doreen wants true love, not just a man who is spelled to love her, and, at twenty-nine years old, she’s running out of time. Desperate to break the spell, she seeks out Ambrose MacDonald, the witch who cast the spell, but it isn’t as easy to break a spell as it was to set it. Doreen and Ambrose must compete in “trials”, set in an alternate universe, in order to reverse the spell. But at what cost?
Paige Crutcher “A Circle of Uncommon Witches is crafty, magical and romantic, perfect for fans of “Practical Magic” and “Outlander”. Full of fire and brimstone, this alternate-universe, spell-casting plot, piloted by a gentle but powerful protagonist, asks the question- is love worth the price?
Doreen narrates the novel primarily, although there are chapters where Ambrose speaks as well as Ada (who is an underworld Witch), which allows readers to explore the story from all viewpoints. There are journal entries, also, that are read aloud in parts, which helps to fill in the background of some of the more historical figures that play an important role. Written this way, Crutcher makes “Witches” an immersive experience, and I was invested in the outcome of all characters from page one.
The aspiring romance was predictable from their first meeting, but I still wanted to see how it played out. Of course, I’m also a sucker for anything that takes place in Scotland (even if it’s in an alternate version of it), so the picturesque setting earned bonus points from me.
Crutcher’s novels all feature witches and have some magical component, and I was a fan of her previous novel, “The Lost Witch”. This one has an added paranormal component and some really neat visual tricks that were exciting and spooky, in the best ways. A strong, magical protagonist combined with a stunning setting and some powerful magic and “Witches” has everything that fantasy romance fans could look for. An easy-to-read page-turner, Crutcher has delivered another slice of charm into the book world.
Expected publication date: Feb. 25, 2025
Doreen MacKinnon is cursed. Like the rest of her line, if she doesn’t marry by the time she’s thirty, she’ll die. But, unlike the rest of humanity, it’s easy for the MacKinnon’s to find a mate, since they can easily tantalize any partner, pulling them under their spell. But Doreen wants true love, not just a man who is spelled to love her, and, at twenty-nine years old, she’s running out of time. Desperate to break the spell, she seeks out Ambrose MacDonald, the witch who cast the spell, but it isn’t as easy to break a spell as it was to set it. Doreen and Ambrose must compete in “trials”, set in an alternate universe, in order to reverse the spell. But at what cost?
Paige Crutcher “A Circle of Uncommon Witches is crafty, magical and romantic, perfect for fans of “Practical Magic” and “Outlander”. Full of fire and brimstone, this alternate-universe, spell-casting plot, piloted by a gentle but powerful protagonist, asks the question- is love worth the price?
Doreen narrates the novel primarily, although there are chapters where Ambrose speaks as well as Ada (who is an underworld Witch), which allows readers to explore the story from all viewpoints. There are journal entries, also, that are read aloud in parts, which helps to fill in the background of some of the more historical figures that play an important role. Written this way, Crutcher makes “Witches” an immersive experience, and I was invested in the outcome of all characters from page one.
The aspiring romance was predictable from their first meeting, but I still wanted to see how it played out. Of course, I’m also a sucker for anything that takes place in Scotland (even if it’s in an alternate version of it), so the picturesque setting earned bonus points from me.
Crutcher’s novels all feature witches and have some magical component, and I was a fan of her previous novel, “The Lost Witch”. This one has an added paranormal component and some really neat visual tricks that were exciting and spooky, in the best ways. A strong, magical protagonist combined with a stunning setting and some powerful magic and “Witches” has everything that fantasy romance fans could look for. An easy-to-read page-turner, Crutcher has delivered another slice of charm into the book world.
February 24, 2025
If I could give half stars, 3.5. I read the book quickly and found it easily digestible with characters like Doreen that pulled at my heartstrings for merely wanting a love that's real. The story is a good mix of romance and fantasy but light on the witchcraft and obvious spellwork by our main cast of characters with Doreen, Ambrose, and Margot, despite witches being in the title. Its core is based on a curse wrought upon the witches and their entire family line, but most of the book is set in an otherworldly Scotland that is based entirely on magic. With a plot centered around families of witches, I hoped for more casting on the page instead of a illusionary world based on their reality. Romance is believable, although edging on insta-love, but the premise hints at how connections could form. More showing of what happened in the past with certain key characters that caused the current situation rather than all the TELLING would make the book feel more immersive. Stella is presented as too easily forgivable based on her impacts on the girls. The ending feels rushed.
Doreen and Margot's bond makes me smile and feel wistful of past friendships. Without saying too much, I really like how symmetry ties the past to Doreen's mission of breaking the curse. Ambrose grew on me quickly, but I wish more was exposed of how he kept up with changes in the world and even language while trapped. As an antagonist, he is captivating to watch with great banter and tension between him and Doreen.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press /St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for early access to the book.
Doreen and Margot's bond makes me smile and feel wistful of past friendships. Without saying too much, I really like how symmetry ties the past to Doreen's mission of breaking the curse. Ambrose grew on me quickly, but I wish more was exposed of how he kept up with changes in the world and even language while trapped. As an antagonist, he is captivating to watch with great banter and tension between him and Doreen.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press /St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for early access to the book.
Want to read
September 13, 2024A witch generationally cursed to never find true love sets out to break the spell cast on her family, and must team up with the last person who wants to help her – the witch who set the curse in the first place.
August 31, 2024
“To be loved back, in kind, might be the truest form of magic that exists.”
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy of A Circle of Uncommon Witches!
I didn’t hate this, but I have to admit that I didn’t love it either. While the premise of this book seemed very fun, I have to admit that I was let down for a few reasons.
Firstly, I find that the story was all over the place and I felt thrust into it with very little explanation. The pacing could have also used some work, as some situations that could have used more time were glossed over, and some scenes were much too long.
Doreen and Ambrose were constantly getting on my nerves for whatever reason, and I just wasn’t rooting for them. I knew they would end up together, but things went from 0 to 100 with them very quickly - almost insta-love, which I don’t love.
Though this didn’t affect the reading experience for me, there were several typos in the last handful of chapters which were easy to catch.
All in all, a promising premise but a flawed execution in my opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy of A Circle of Uncommon Witches!
I didn’t hate this, but I have to admit that I didn’t love it either. While the premise of this book seemed very fun, I have to admit that I was let down for a few reasons.
Firstly, I find that the story was all over the place and I felt thrust into it with very little explanation. The pacing could have also used some work, as some situations that could have used more time were glossed over, and some scenes were much too long.
Doreen and Ambrose were constantly getting on my nerves for whatever reason, and I just wasn’t rooting for them. I knew they would end up together, but things went from 0 to 100 with them very quickly - almost insta-love, which I don’t love.
Though this didn’t affect the reading experience for me, there were several typos in the last handful of chapters which were easy to catch.
All in all, a promising premise but a flawed execution in my opinion.
October 19, 2024
I DNF at 25%
The concept of this story was intriguing but unfortunately the writing didn’t really take the reader on a journey. I felt like I was just reading about what was happening to the characters and there was no context given about why I should care or the importance of the relationships. I felt like there was a lot of telling and nothing to make me feel immersed which made me quickly lose interest. This would have been more enjoyable with richer details
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley
The concept of this story was intriguing but unfortunately the writing didn’t really take the reader on a journey. I felt like I was just reading about what was happening to the characters and there was no context given about why I should care or the importance of the relationships. I felt like there was a lot of telling and nothing to make me feel immersed which made me quickly lose interest. This would have been more enjoyable with richer details
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley
December 19, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title.
As a huge Jane Austen fan, I was wrapped into this novel. It totally gave me Pride and Prejudice vibes. While some of the trials Doren was put through could have been shortened, overall, I enjoyed the book. More than likely, I'll purchase a copy so I can reread my fave parts.
**Spoiler Quote**
"You can not deflect from this. Not here when we are at the end of things. I am not under your spell. Though you are bewitching. I think I may have fallen a little bit for you the moment you pulled me from my cage. If I am lucky, I will love you every day for the rest of my life. However short it is."
As a huge Jane Austen fan, I was wrapped into this novel. It totally gave me Pride and Prejudice vibes. While some of the trials Doren was put through could have been shortened, overall, I enjoyed the book. More than likely, I'll purchase a copy so I can reread my fave parts.
**Spoiler Quote**
"You can not deflect from this. Not here when we are at the end of things. I am not under your spell. Though you are bewitching. I think I may have fallen a little bit for you the moment you pulled me from my cage. If I am lucky, I will love you every day for the rest of my life. However short it is."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Fantasy / Romance
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
A Circle of Uncommon Witches by Paige Crutcher is a story of adventure, romance, and destiny, all by asking one question: is true love worth the cost? After being kept from his true love, Ambrose MacDonald curses the MacKinnon witches, preventing them from finding true love. In turn, they imprisoned him; he'll outlive everyone, trapped in a tempest. Doreen MacKinnon is destined to die thanks to a curse placed on her family by Ambrose after he he lost the woman he loved. If she doesn't fine true love, her fate is sealed.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Fantasy / Romance
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
A Circle of Uncommon Witches by Paige Crutcher is a story of adventure, romance, and destiny, all by asking one question: is true love worth the cost? After being kept from his true love, Ambrose MacDonald curses the MacKinnon witches, preventing them from finding true love. In turn, they imprisoned him; he'll outlive everyone, trapped in a tempest. Doreen MacKinnon is destined to die thanks to a curse placed on her family by Ambrose after he he lost the woman he loved. If she doesn't fine true love, her fate is sealed.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
September 10, 2024
Based on the premise alone, A Circle of Uncommon Witches had me sold. Unfortunately, while I enjoyed reading this. I didn’t love it the way that I wanted to love it. The story itself felt disjointed the entirety of the novel. It felt almost as though I were dropped into the middle of a story already being told, which could be intentional given the long-standing curse that the MacKinnon’s have been contending with, but without a decent amount of exposition, I found it difficult to parse what exactly was happening and at what point in the timeline we were on.
Because the overall plot structure was off from the jump, the pacing the book also felt out of line with the story that was being told. There were moments that I found dragged on forever, and others that felt like a momentary blip that needed to be expounded upon a lot further.
That isn’t to say, however, that the premise of the novel wasn’t good because it was. However, the execution was severely lacking compared to this novel’s contemporaries. I think with a drawn-out plot and story-telling structure, paired with an enriched diligence in expressing the lore of the MacKinnon’s, we could have had a tale that withstood the test of time. A Circle of Uncommon Witches, in its current form, is not that. And I think that’s where my primary grievance lies. This felt almost like a rough draft of a grander tale. Something that needed to be spot-checked and polished before being read.
I also found our main character, Doreen, supremely unlikeable, because it didn’t feel as though she had much depth, beyond a driving urge to unpack and understand the curse put on her family so that she can undo it and go about her life as she desired, rather resigning herself to a cruel and loveless fate as the other women in her line before her. Ambrose, too, was equally unlikeable and it felt as though the two were playing a continuous game of hot and cold throughout the greater part of the book. An equally stunning notion when paired with the fact that the two were prone to the insta-love the moment they lay eyes on one another.
I won’t say that the book wasn’t enjoyable, because it was, in its own way. Like I said, I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. I think this book would have been phenomenal were it designed more as a slow burn epic of curse breaking and undeniable romance, rather than the quick conflict resolution that we received. All in all, this book read more like a palate cleanser after reading such a tale, rather than the epic that it seems to be at first glance.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Paige Crutcher & St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Overall, I’d give this a 2.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 3 for its potential.
Rating: ★★½ | 2.5/5
☠️
Because the overall plot structure was off from the jump, the pacing the book also felt out of line with the story that was being told. There were moments that I found dragged on forever, and others that felt like a momentary blip that needed to be expounded upon a lot further.
That isn’t to say, however, that the premise of the novel wasn’t good because it was. However, the execution was severely lacking compared to this novel’s contemporaries. I think with a drawn-out plot and story-telling structure, paired with an enriched diligence in expressing the lore of the MacKinnon’s, we could have had a tale that withstood the test of time. A Circle of Uncommon Witches, in its current form, is not that. And I think that’s where my primary grievance lies. This felt almost like a rough draft of a grander tale. Something that needed to be spot-checked and polished before being read.
I also found our main character, Doreen, supremely unlikeable, because it didn’t feel as though she had much depth, beyond a driving urge to unpack and understand the curse put on her family so that she can undo it and go about her life as she desired, rather resigning herself to a cruel and loveless fate as the other women in her line before her. Ambrose, too, was equally unlikeable and it felt as though the two were playing a continuous game of hot and cold throughout the greater part of the book. An equally stunning notion when paired with the fact that the two were prone to the insta-love the moment they lay eyes on one another.
I won’t say that the book wasn’t enjoyable, because it was, in its own way. Like I said, I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. I think this book would have been phenomenal were it designed more as a slow burn epic of curse breaking and undeniable romance, rather than the quick conflict resolution that we received. All in all, this book read more like a palate cleanser after reading such a tale, rather than the epic that it seems to be at first glance.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Paige Crutcher & St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Overall, I’d give this a 2.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 3 for its potential.
Rating: ★★½ | 2.5/5
☠️
July 1, 2025
OMG OMG OMG
The ending is this book was pure fire!!
I loved every minute of my ride with Doreen and Ambrose. So eventful!
You'll come to discover and love every part of these complex characters, like I did.
You'll love this one if you like:
- enemies-to-lovers
- powerful witches
- magic/ghosts
- quest adventures
TW for death, blood, grief, drowning, torture, physical abuse on a child, heartbreak
Many thanks to the publisher for the complimentary e-copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The ending is this book was pure fire!!
I loved every minute of my ride with Doreen and Ambrose. So eventful!
You'll come to discover and love every part of these complex characters, like I did.
You'll love this one if you like:
- enemies-to-lovers
- powerful witches
- magic/ghosts
- quest adventures
TW for death, blood, grief, drowning, torture, physical abuse on a child, heartbreak
Many thanks to the publisher for the complimentary e-copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 6, 2024
I liked the premise of the book but unfortunately I just couldn't get into the story the way I was hoping to. It was all a bit convoluted and difficult to follow. Doreen and Ambrose were both individually great characters, but I wish I had felt more of their chemistry. Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2025
This is a first read for me by this author. I absolutely loved this book. It pulled me in and I could have stayed up two extra hours to finish it. But I was too sleepy.
This is one of those books that is pure pleasure to read. A modern day witch story. A love story. A story about finding a way to remove a curse. I really loved how the story played out too. It was just adorable and perfect.
When Doreen decides to find a way to break an age old curse put on her family she knows she has her work cut out for her. She had been trying for ages to figure it out but with a note from her cousin she finally knows where to start.
A curse was put on the MacKinnon family that if they didn't fall in love and have that love returned by age thirty they would die. Doreen didn't want to settle for casting a spell to make someone fall in love with her. She wanted the real thing. The whole thing. While her cousin Margot didn't want to take a chance on death. She married a young man.
This book is about a curse. A family of witches through the ages. A male who supposedly started it all because of love. There are a few characters and some things going on but it's really easy to follow. Doreen and Ambrose, the one who was suppose to have started the curse, team up to stop the curse things are revealed. Things that neither knew about and a lot that Doreen was never told.
This is a love story also. A love that happens between two witches. Well one is a warlock I suppose, though that is never said. He's called a witch. A lot of twists and turns. A few trials going on. Not witch trials like you may think. Trials to break a curse...
I truly did enjoy this book very much. It held my interest from start to beautiful ending. All that goes along with a good love story too. From fighting those feelings to finally accepting it. From family interference to finally being left alone. This is a book about family. Love. Lost love. New love. And in a way torture...
Thank you #NetGalley, #StMartinsPress, for this ARC.
Five big stars.
This is one of those books that is pure pleasure to read. A modern day witch story. A love story. A story about finding a way to remove a curse. I really loved how the story played out too. It was just adorable and perfect.
When Doreen decides to find a way to break an age old curse put on her family she knows she has her work cut out for her. She had been trying for ages to figure it out but with a note from her cousin she finally knows where to start.
A curse was put on the MacKinnon family that if they didn't fall in love and have that love returned by age thirty they would die. Doreen didn't want to settle for casting a spell to make someone fall in love with her. She wanted the real thing. The whole thing. While her cousin Margot didn't want to take a chance on death. She married a young man.
This book is about a curse. A family of witches through the ages. A male who supposedly started it all because of love. There are a few characters and some things going on but it's really easy to follow. Doreen and Ambrose, the one who was suppose to have started the curse, team up to stop the curse things are revealed. Things that neither knew about and a lot that Doreen was never told.
This is a love story also. A love that happens between two witches. Well one is a warlock I suppose, though that is never said. He's called a witch. A lot of twists and turns. A few trials going on. Not witch trials like you may think. Trials to break a curse...
I truly did enjoy this book very much. It held my interest from start to beautiful ending. All that goes along with a good love story too. From fighting those feelings to finally accepting it. From family interference to finally being left alone. This is a book about family. Love. Lost love. New love. And in a way torture...
Thank you #NetGalley, #StMartinsPress, for this ARC.
Five big stars.
February 24, 2025
2
I really wanted to like this, but I honestly can’t tell you a single thing that happened. The premise was so good, but the execution made zero sense.
Right from the start, I had a hard time connecting with Doreen, Margot, or Ambrose. You’re thrown right into the middle of this half-explained story and kind of left to fend for yourself. Like, there was an element to magical realism in that magic and witches exist, but they’re in secret, but the magic system is not explained at all.
As others have said, the story is somewhat disorienting and hard to follow. As Doreen and Ambrose embark on these trials, I was scratching my head. The author uses a lot of descriptive narratives to set the scene, but then the scene itself is quick, and it moves on without fully explaining what was happening. It’s just kind of all over the place, and delves into explaining things that aren’t important, while not giving an explanation for things that actually matter.
Even Doreen and Ambrose’s burgeoning romance is barely touched upon, until suddenly they’re in love? And don’t even get me started on the Hastings/Ada/Margaret thing. That came out of nowhere and all those journal entries were so odd
I really struggled with the writing here. It was clunky and confusing, while also being weirdly basic. I swear there were multiple instances of “he said, she said, she said” over and over on a page.
Overall, this concept was so cool but the execution was lacking for me. I came out of this book just so incredibly confused.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin's Press for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
I really wanted to like this, but I honestly can’t tell you a single thing that happened. The premise was so good, but the execution made zero sense.
Right from the start, I had a hard time connecting with Doreen, Margot, or Ambrose. You’re thrown right into the middle of this half-explained story and kind of left to fend for yourself. Like, there was an element to magical realism in that magic and witches exist, but they’re in secret, but the magic system is not explained at all.
As others have said, the story is somewhat disorienting and hard to follow. As Doreen and Ambrose embark on these trials, I was scratching my head. The author uses a lot of descriptive narratives to set the scene, but then the scene itself is quick, and it moves on without fully explaining what was happening. It’s just kind of all over the place, and delves into explaining things that aren’t important, while not giving an explanation for things that actually matter.
Even Doreen and Ambrose’s burgeoning romance is barely touched upon, until suddenly they’re in love? And don’t even get me started on the Hastings/Ada/Margaret thing. That came out of nowhere and all those journal entries were so odd
I really struggled with the writing here. It was clunky and confusing, while also being weirdly basic. I swear there were multiple instances of “he said, she said, she said” over and over on a page.
Overall, this concept was so cool but the execution was lacking for me. I came out of this book just so incredibly confused.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin's Press for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
November 6, 2024
With a 300 year old curse to never find true love, Doreen sets out to break the curse but first she has to team up with Ambrose - the witch who sets the curse in motion to begin with, in this adventurous, enemies to lovers paranormal romance. Doreen must break the curse before she turns 30 or die of a broken heart and the only way to break the curse is to go through a series of trials meant to challenge them: mentally, emotionally and physically, which takes them to a castle in Scotland, off a cliff and into another world that could only exist in their nightmares.
Overall, I thought that the book was very good. The storyline was strong with a cast of loveable and well-written characters. The storyline was based both on plot and characters and did a good job on both. My only complaint is that many of the chapters were way too long and in my opinion needed to be broken down. I think that this would be a great witchy romance for the spooky season or any other time of the year and I enjoyed it.
I would like to thank the publisher - St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Overall, I thought that the book was very good. The storyline was strong with a cast of loveable and well-written characters. The storyline was based both on plot and characters and did a good job on both. My only complaint is that many of the chapters were way too long and in my opinion needed to be broken down. I think that this would be a great witchy romance for the spooky season or any other time of the year and I enjoyed it.
I would like to thank the publisher - St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 17, 2025
The blurb of this one had me thinking it was going to be a new 5 star fave, but it just missed the mark for me on the tropes I was hoping to enjoy that it felt a bit flat overall. Inconsistency in both pace & story is why I couldn't give higher than a 3 star.
The romance & enemies to lovers didn't really romance or burn from enemy to lovers it just happened - more insta love than anything. It was a good fantasy overall as the magic/lore was interesting. The need to break the curse was clear, and clues along the way were fun to uncover despite being very rushed and somewhat all over the place at times. I also enjoyed the interactions (albeit more tension than anything) between the opposing families.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher & and author. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The romance & enemies to lovers didn't really romance or burn from enemy to lovers it just happened - more insta love than anything. It was a good fantasy overall as the magic/lore was interesting. The need to break the curse was clear, and clues along the way were fun to uncover despite being very rushed and somewhat all over the place at times. I also enjoyed the interactions (albeit more tension than anything) between the opposing families.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher & and author. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 10, 2024
Book Review
A Circle of Uncommon Witches by Paige Crutcher
Characters
Stella- Leader of the coven, protector, avenger
Kayleen- sister of Stella
Doreen- 13th generation, lost, powerful,
Margot- dreamer, creator, assertive, strong
Ambrose- grieving, tortured, lonely
Ada- villian, Queen of Death
What Its Got
Coven
Witches
Spell casting
Love
Curse/Hex that spans generations
Scotland
Sisters. Family
Journey of self discovery
Myth and legends come to life/light
Quote
“To be loved back, in kind, might be the truest form of magic that exists”
Overall
Binged in one afternoon… easily escaped between its pages to get lost in another place and time
Thank you to @netgalley @smp @stmartinspress for My digital copy in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own
A Circle of Uncommon Witches by Paige Crutcher
Characters
Stella- Leader of the coven, protector, avenger
Kayleen- sister of Stella
Doreen- 13th generation, lost, powerful,
Margot- dreamer, creator, assertive, strong
Ambrose- grieving, tortured, lonely
Ada- villian, Queen of Death
What Its Got
Coven
Witches
Spell casting
Love
Curse/Hex that spans generations
Scotland
Sisters. Family
Journey of self discovery
Myth and legends come to life/light
Quote
“To be loved back, in kind, might be the truest form of magic that exists”
Overall
Binged in one afternoon… easily escaped between its pages to get lost in another place and time
Thank you to @netgalley @smp @stmartinspress for My digital copy in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own
January 3, 2025
"It says that love is like wildflowers, found in the most unlikely of places," he said.
✨THINGS AND STUFF✨
-no hope of finding true love
-a curse & a leap of faith
-complete the trials and win
-magic comes with a cost
-secrets
-the queen & her shadow army
-lavender tea, sweet apple cider, shortbread cookies
-#isthisakissingbook: closed door
thank you smp for the advanced copy!
✨THINGS AND STUFF✨
-no hope of finding true love
-a curse & a leap of faith
-complete the trials and win
-magic comes with a cost
-secrets
-the queen & her shadow army
-lavender tea, sweet apple cider, shortbread cookies
-#isthisakissingbook: closed door
thank you smp for the advanced copy!
February 26, 2025
If you’re looking for a different angle on a witch romance you should give this book a try.
The story sucked me in immediately. Before I knew it I was halfway finished with the book. Doreen, although fiesty and independent, had the true heart of do no harm. Ambrose, although a bit bad in his own way, has some good left in him as well.
I won’t give away all the twists and turns of this book but I will say I would have loved for it to be even longer as I enjoyed the world and characters.
I received an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own.
The story sucked me in immediately. Before I knew it I was halfway finished with the book. Doreen, although fiesty and independent, had the true heart of do no harm. Ambrose, although a bit bad in his own way, has some good left in him as well.
I won’t give away all the twists and turns of this book but I will say I would have loved for it to be even longer as I enjoyed the world and characters.
I received an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own.
January 15, 2025
Thank you to Paige Crutcher, St. Martin's Griffin, SMP Early Readers, and NetGalley for the free book!
This book was an absolute delight! The generational curse and family histories felt intricate and clever, creating a rich backdrop for the story. Although it’s set in modern times, the focus wasn’t on technology, which gave it a timeless, magical vibe that I adored.
The twists and revelations were perfectly paced, and the motherworld—a dark and chilling realm—added an eerie layer to the story. The vibes were impeccable: atmospheric, magical, and just the right amount of creepy.
Doreen and Margot’s friendship was a standout element for me. It was beautifully written and showcased the power of strong, supportive relationships. And let’s talk about Doreen and Ambrose—their dynamic was everything! The bickering, the reluctant partnership, and their eventual romantic connection were done so well. The tension between them kept me hooked, and their growth as characters felt organic and satisfying.
Overall, A Circle of Uncommon Witches is a captivating blend of adventure, romance, and destiny. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to read more from Paige Crutcher. Highly recommend it to fans of magical tales with heart!
This book was an absolute delight! The generational curse and family histories felt intricate and clever, creating a rich backdrop for the story. Although it’s set in modern times, the focus wasn’t on technology, which gave it a timeless, magical vibe that I adored.
The twists and revelations were perfectly paced, and the motherworld—a dark and chilling realm—added an eerie layer to the story. The vibes were impeccable: atmospheric, magical, and just the right amount of creepy.
Doreen and Margot’s friendship was a standout element for me. It was beautifully written and showcased the power of strong, supportive relationships. And let’s talk about Doreen and Ambrose—their dynamic was everything! The bickering, the reluctant partnership, and their eventual romantic connection were done so well. The tension between them kept me hooked, and their growth as characters felt organic and satisfying.
Overall, A Circle of Uncommon Witches is a captivating blend of adventure, romance, and destiny. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to read more from Paige Crutcher. Highly recommend it to fans of magical tales with heart!
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